A bond is a formal written agreement where a person agrees to do something (such as appear in court) or stop doing something (such as committing a crime). If the person doesn't comply with the agreement, he/she (or a "surety", also called a "bondsman") then forfeits the money paid for the bond.
The purpose of a bond is to motivate the person to comply with the written agreement and to provide consequences if he/she doesn't. In most cases, a surety (bondsman) is involved, and the bond makes the surety responsible for the consequences of the person's behavior.
Failure to appear when on bond could result in the forfeiture of the bond, which means losing the cash, real estate, or collateral that was used to secure the bond.
The type of bond that is allowed to be posted is determined by the judge when issuing a warrant. Some of the bond types listed below may not be available for every defendant.
With a cash bond, the defendant or another person can pay in cash the full amount of the bond to release the defendant from custody.
A PR bond is a signature bond that involves no money or property as long as the defendant appears at all future court dates. The defendant's signature acts as the promise to appear in court. A judge may require additional persons to sign the bond as well, to ensure the appearance of the defendant in court.
A professional surety bond is a bond posted through the service of a state licensed bondsman of your choice. The bondsman may require a co-signer and/or collateral to secure the bond.
A property bond is a bond posted using the equity from real estate located in this state. The unencumbered equity must be 1.5 times the amount of the bond.
Bond Forms
Information about JDF 231 Waiver of Extradition as a Condition of Bail Bond under §16-4-105, C.R.S.:
JDF 231 includes the following agreements:
Information about JDF 370 Appearance Bond:
This form must be filled out to cancel a warrant or to be released from custody. The types and amounts of bonds vary greatly and will be set by a judge in the court where the case is located.
Information about JDF 371 Consent of Surety:
A bail bondsman may agree to remain on the bond. Different situations may occur to require this form. For example, if the Defendant fails to appear for a court date, or if the Defendant wishes to leave the state.
Information about JDF 375 Surety Request for Show Cause Hearing:
This form must be filled out by the surety to request a show cause hearing. The purpose of a show cause hearing is for the surety to appear and show the court why the bond money paid for the Defendant should not be forfeited to the court.
Property Bonds
Check with the court to find out if a property bond will be accepted. For more information, please contact the court location where the person is appearing for a court hearing.
The following is a list of documents and information required to post a property bond:
The person posting the property bond must pay the recording fees. See §30-1-103 (1), C.R.S. for fee amount.
Fees:
The entire amount may be paid in cash; however, if paid by check, 2 checks must be written:
When the Bond is released by the court, a Release of Deed of Trust will be mailed to the property owner via certified mail. It is the responsibility of the property owner to take it to the Public Trustee for the county in which the property is located and request that the lien be released.
Notice and Payment for Cost of Care of Animals
Information about JDF 228 Notice and Payment for Cost of Care of Animals:
The purpose of this notice and payment is to provide for the cost of impoundment, care, and provision of identified animal(s) in the custody of the impound agency for a period of at least 30 days, including the day on which the animal was taken into custody, pursuant to §18-9-202.5, C.R.S. This form is completed by the court.